Egypt ready to provide all logistical support to Gaza with ceasefire declaration: PM

CAIRO – 16 January 2025: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized that Egypt is fully prepared to provide comprehensive logistical support to the people of Gaza following the anticipated ceasefire declaration.

In a press conference on Thursday, Madbouly stated that Egypt, in collaboration with the international community, will address the urgent needs in the Gaza Strip, including food, fuel, and medical supplies, to help residents overcome this significant crisis.

Madbouly stated that the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza marks the culmination of extensive efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States over the past year to mediate between the conflicting sides.

The prime minister expressed hope that the ceasefire would serve as the beginning of a lasting solution to the severe humanitarian crisis facing the people of the Gaza Strip.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States of America issued on Wednesday a joint statement on the brokered deal in Gaza Strip#Egypt #Africa #MENAhttps://t.co/15TZqXj08H

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) January 16, 2025

He prayed for the agreement to be fully implemented and activated on Sunday, viewing it as a crucial step toward a permanent resolution of the crisis.

He underscored that Egyptian efforts will focus on transforming the ceasefire into a permanent solution to the crisis.

Egypt, Qatar, and the US, which have mediated talks between Israel and Hamas over the past year, announced on Wednesday that a ceasefire deal in Gaza and is set to take effect on Sunday.

The phased agreement will allow for the release of captives held by Hamas since their surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including both living and deceased captives, in exchange for numerous Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

Both Israelis and Palestinians have received the news with intense joy, celebrating this long-awaited moment in streets with tears of joy.

People in many Arab countries have also celebrated this feat, filling streets and public squares with joyful chants.

WHAT WE KNOW

The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to vote on the deal on Thursday for official approval. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today delaying the vote, citing a "last-minte crisis" with Hamas.

The recent statements by Netanyahu, published by his office, make it unclear whether the voting process will be conducted as scheduled.

In an address to the nation, Israeli President Isaac Herzog acknowledged that the ceasefire deal would bring "harrowing moments" and "significant challenges," but urged the cabinet to approve it.

_ Egypt is preparing to enter in the largest amount of aid to the Gaza Strip to support the people of the Strip

_ Coordination is still ongoing regarding opening the Palestinian Rafah crossing to allow the entry of international aid to improve the situation in the Gaza Strip

_… pic.twitter.com/mJaGU8fGhZ

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) January 15, 2025

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated in a press conference yesterday that Hamas is expected to release 33 captives in the first phase of the deal, which spans 42 days, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli forces toward the East.

A joint statement from the mediators noted that the first phase includes a ceasefire, withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, an exchange of prisoners and detainees, and the return of the remains of the deceased.

During this phase, internally displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to their homes in Gaza, and arrangements will be made for the sick and wounded to receive treatment, according to the statement.

The first phase also aims to intensify the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale in the Gaza Strip, rehabilitate hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, and provide civil defense supplies and fuel, as well as shelter for those displaced by the war.

BOMBARDMENT CONTINUES

Despite the ceasefire news, Israeli bombardment has continued, with airstrikes killing at least 70 people in the enclave overnight on Thursday, according to residents and authorities.

The recent attacks contribute to a harrowing death toll of more than 46,700 and over 110,200 injuries. The war has also displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

Egypt, Qatar, and the US previously brokered a brief ceasefire amid the fierce fighting in November 2023, resulting in the release of around 100 Israeli captives in exchange for around 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Reports indicate that 94 captives are still held in Gaza, with around a third presumed dead.

Talks regarding the implementation of the second phase of the agreement are set to commence on the 16th day of the first phase.

The second phase stage is anticipated to encompass the release of all remaining hostages, the establishment of a lasting ceasefire, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The third phase will focus on the recovery of all remaining deceased individuals and the initiation of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.